Why you should pay attention to St. Pete's perfect Equality Index score

Diversity is key to developing a live-work-play environment that is vital for businesses and the workforce they are seeking.

That's why the perfect 100 score that St. Petersburg got on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index is being celebrated widely at City Hall and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. The index measures the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in municipal law and policy.

"This is about economic development," said Chris Steinocher, president and CEO of the St. Petersburg Chamber. "Communities that win attract talent. To do that, you have to have the welcome mat out for everybody."